I thought you were abroad – was the greeting from Rizwan, Mein Host at Kabana (22 Back Turner St., Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1FR England) when I entered with Marg at a somewhat late 16.20.
No, we’re down to see IQ in Bury tomorrow night.
Rizwan had never heard of IQ. To date there are three reviews of Bury gigs on Curry-Heute – Prog Rock – Concert Reviews – but none have been on a day when I have been to Kabana, so no association then. Perhaps they were on Saturdays when Kabana used to be closed? Tomorrow we’ll change that, and also from tomorrow, international travel becomes a whole lot easier with the needless testing being dropped. When the transport minister declared testing to travel to be a waste of time weeks ago, why didn’t he scrap it back then?
Tomorrow, we plan to meet up with Martin for Curry. Karahi Lamb was therefore not Hector’s choice today, instead it was Keema Peas (£5.30) with a Chapatti (£0.80). Unsurprisingly, Marg opted for the same.
Don’t give me too much – was Marg’s plea. As a compromise, Rizwan said he would – put it on his. He also suggested that he add some of the Masala from the Lamb to give it a kick. Marg would have the Keema Peas as served normally.
We took our spot at the fat man’s table. Despite being close to closing time, there were ten other diners present. It makes me wonder why Kabana closes at 17.00.
The Order was brought to the table accompanied by the three pots of foliage. As usual, Hector went to town, Marg showed self restraint.
I saw a chap have two Naans with his Curry. How anyone could eat all that Bread still puzzles. Anyway, the Naan looked wonderful, risen, light and fluffy. I was wishing I had ordered a Naan, but when I started on my Chapatti I was gobsmacked. It has been a while since I’ve had a Kabana (Northern Quarter) Chapatti. Wholemeal, risen, despite the perforations which are ubiquitous in Manchester Bread, this Chapatti was the lightest, freshest, fluffiest I have ever had. Every morsel was eaten. I believe I managed to take a photo of the Bread Chef as I departed.
Keema Peas
The standard, before the addition of moderate foliage.
Keema Peas a la Rizwan
Smothered in Masala, this of course would change the nature of the Curry. Normally the driest of Curry, this made my Keema Peas quite moist. The aim was – to give a kick.
Along with the added Green Chillies, this goal was certainly achieved. The Seasoning was there. The Coriander added a further blast of Flavour, the diced Ginger added a crunch also. We both noted how fine the Keema had been ground, quite a difference from British Mince.
Good as this Curry was, it wasn’t Karahi Lamb, on-the-bone. Tomorrow.
Marg was finished long before me such was the imbalance in the portion size. Her verdict:
Finely minced lamb, with a lovely, fluffy, hot Chapatti. A small kick, and a very moreish dish.
Marg could have had more, simply by not asking for less.
As we finished, the last customer of the day took a seat diagonally opposite. He then stood up and approached us. We had seen each other before, today it was time for introductions. Des was having Desi Curry, Chicken Tikka with Masala from the another pot. The foliage was brought to his table also.
Des follows Curry-Heute and so was finally glad to engage. He mentioned Sheffield becoming a bit of a Curry Desert since the closing of Lahori Dhera. I was able to inform him that the premises have become Wicker Kebabish, a worthy successor. There’s also Apna Style.
I asked if he knew anything about Manchester’s Dera which may have closed. Alas, not. Somebody, somewhere, must know what has happened there.
Des is visiting Glasgow soon. Sadly his company may not be ready for the outstanding Curry Cafes such as Yadgar and Karahi Palace. I have suggested The Village “Curry House” followed by ale at the State Bar. The Village Desi Kourma (spicy) should suit his palate. Our paths may well cross again.
The Bill
£12.20 For two.
The Aftermath
The recent visit to the other Kabana (Cheetham Hill) was discussed with Rizwan. The significant difference between Quail and Chicken was highlighted. I expressed my appreciation of the quality Masala which accompanied. However, his brother’s Karahi Lamb does not match that served here in the Northern Quarter.
Today, I did not have Karahi Lamb. Tomorrow I shall, and go and see IQ.
What could possibly follow that?
